Recent content by merlin84

I paid £160 per month in Kent for my last share- 2 years ago. No chores as he was on full so just riding 2/3 times a week. In terms of ability, I was nowhere near as good as his owner but we did a test ride and she was pleased that I was sympathetic and gentle so was happy. I paid for...

Well done! I had my first lesson after a break yesterday and was so nervous about canter and then it wasn’t as bad as I imagined it would be!

Have messaged them. One of my favourite horses ever was an Andalusian so fingers crossed!

yes I follow them on Facebook but sadly too far for a weekly ride especially leaving the toddler with my other half!!

It really is a horsey black hole for what I am looking for! White Horse Farm looks close so am going to check them out. Greenwich EC is round the corner but it is impossible to get a lesson as it is really an equine college as its primary business. Shame as when I went the instructors were good.

Yes sadly due to London traffic!

Have had a break from riding since having my second baby. I have been back in the saddle but haven’t been able to properly recommit. Before becoming pregnant I had a wonderful share and lessons with a coach but had to give that up due to pregnancy issues. I am done having children now and want...

Thanks all- I know a lot of people don’t ride once they have a bump but wondered if carriage driving was the same. It took me a while to get riding again after having my daughter due to no core to speak of and also childcare so am keen to not give up too early if I still feel normal

Just a quick one if anyone has been in this situation. I am in early weeks of pregnancy, still riding my share horse- a veteran TB. I have a history of miscarriage which has happened both when I have given up riding entirely and when I continued so not related. For now I plan to continue riding...

Would love to progress to driving a pair although it was enough work to maintain correct position and contact on the lines even with just the one horse!

I wasn’t expecting to find it exhilarating in the same way as riding! Also it is more similar to riding than I realised although I think I kept twitching my leg thinking I needed to put some leg on! Am in SE London just off the A2 but my share horse is kept in Kent

And I am hooked! I do not need another equestrian hobby!!

Thank you everyone that is so so helpful to know. Will stop the pole work until hocks checked. Don’t want to cause the poor boy any pain!

He is an oldie - ex show jumper and even more ex ex-racer so will definitely have done pole work before. All the horses I have ridden have been fine doing a few poles to break up the flat work so was surprised to find he wouldn’t.

No expert on saddle fitting unfortunately but he has saddler out twice a year. Will have to check with owner when most recent check was. Being too on the forehand does sound likely. The problem is when I drive him too much with legs/seat, I get a jump not a lift!